THE "M" Sampler

This is the oldest sampler in The Historical Museum. "Het Schielandshuis", in Rotterdam - access no. 20135. It originates from the province Friesland and is composed of numerous surface designs, trees of life and various small motifs as well as a beautifully stitched "M" which is outlined with little circles. Outlining with these little circles is a commom feature of the trees of life. All the motifs are placed rather haphazardly and some run into each other. It is therefore believed to
have been made by a rather young girl.

Trade was well established with Persia and this influence can be seen in some of the surface designs like the large eight pointed star. The sampler is worked mainly in closed herringbone, double running (holbein), cross stitch and Algerian eye.